Later Club(s):

York-born midfielder Simon Heslop joined Stevenage in summer 2013 on a free transfer, with Graham Westley taking advantage of Oxford United's decision to release the player at the end of the 2012/3 campaign allowing Boro' to swoop in and secure his services.

The Us was a club at which Heslop had spent three years and played for numerous times - reportedly more than 100. But it was with Barnsley that his professional career started back in 2005. In a five-year period during which he was on the books at Oakwell, opportunities were limited.

It was to be with a multitude of loan spells away from Barnsley that Heslop was to gain his experience. Kidderminster Harriers, Tamworth, Northwich Victoria and Halifax Town were among the first clubs to secure his services on a temporary basis, albeit all at non-league level.

Oxford United gave Heslop the chance to establish himself in League Two and he took that chance as the Us sought to assert themselves after making their return to the Football League. He contributed a handful of goals, but they became less in number as the seasons progressed.

With Stevenage and Graham Westley reunited a third time in 2013, there was a period of rebuilding after what could be seen as Boro's worst campaign in a generation. Heslop's determination and willingness to chip in with goals was no doubt seen as an effort and one that would go down well at the Lamex Stadium and among the home faithful.